South32 deploys innovative technology worldwide

South32 (ASX: S32) is making progress across Australian and American mining operations with the development of automated exploration technology and energy efficient grinding plant equipment.

In Australia, South32 has successfully completed the trial of its Evolution Drill Rig prototype.

The prototype was trialled over three months at the Jessica and Cararra exploration projects in the Northern Territory, where South32 is in farm-in agreements with Encounter Resources (ASX: ENR).

The drill rig, operated by contract partner DDH1 Drilling, improves safety performance without reducing productivity by removing the manual rod handling process during drilling.

It is compatible with existing drill rigs and does not require custom-built drill rigs to use.

The system will be deployed on other South32 exploration projects and across operations in FY25.

South32 is also advancing its greenfield Hermosa project in the Patagonia Mountains in southern Arizona, USA, awarding Metso orders for the delivery of grinding plant equipment.

Metso will deliver a Premier Primary Autogenous Grinding (AG) Mill and a Vertimill VTM-4500 Secondary Grinding Mill with the potential to supply other comminution and beneficiation process equipment technologies.

Metso grinding senior vice president Christoph Hoetzel says these devices improve energy efficiency and reduce steel media consumption.

“Metso’s broad grinding technology portfolio offers the best tool for the job,” he said.

“This is a truly Planet Positive combination.”

Metso mineral sales in North and Central America vice president Tim Robinson says Metso is committed to supporting South32 in this endeavour.

“We are very pleased to be supporting South32 in their development focus to supply critical minerals like zinc and manganese in the USA,” he said.